Obesity as a disease....more food for thought!

So, as the medical community and the fitness community respond to the AMA's announcement about Obesity being classified as a disease, I have read a bunch of differing opinions on the subject. 

Gary and I have had numerous discussions about the definition of disease. The more I thought about it, I come to some realizations about the term "disease". 
Many diseases, can be directly linked with lifestyle factors and obesity itself.

Cardiac disease has been linked with sugar intake. It is linked with high cholesterol, and plaque build up in the arteries. It's also more prevalent in people who are physically overweight and sedentary. 
However, there is also a genetic risk as well. 


So, which one is the cause of cardiovascular disease? 
Diabetes, another disease has been strongly linked with both heart disease and obesity. 
Type 2 diabetes is actually preventable, by changes in lifestyle. Weight loss and nutritional changes can actually lessen the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

So, Obesity, is preventable, through education, activity and nutritional changes. So, now I question the notion. 
Is obesity a disease?

Technically, it can be classified as one, as the definition of disease is a  "disorder or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance,toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors". 

So, since obesity is a direct result of a nutritional imbalance and unfavorable environmental factors, (prevalence of high fat/high calorie food), it technically meets the criteria for a disease.

However, I still disagree, because obesity does not need to be treated with a pill or surgery. 
Obesity and prevention of obesity, needs to be "treated" with education with both nutrition, exercise and needs to be done with every adult and child. 

Today, at work, I am in line at the cafe, trying to grab a quick lunch, and there was a big line, and the largest people in line, were getting the cheeseburger with bacon, and fries and chips and coke. Upstairs, while filling my water cup, there was a lady at the vending machine, yes, very obese lady, getting a couple of snickers. No, not just one. 

As a nurse, and health person, it is SO difficult for me to not blow up and say "what are you thinking"? 
As said before, I have never been large, but I have been addicted to fast food,  back in the day, I worked for fast food and I ate it all the time. Today, I can't even stand the smell.  People addicted to fast food don't always realize this is actually craved by the body. Why??? Because it's so nutritionally empty, the body wants more food, and this is the choice of the person. When people take it out of the body, their bodies will stop craving it. My current craving is for FRUIT!! I know, but's as sweet as candy and so much better for me. Loaded with the good stuff. 

So, as I said, technically, Obesity can be classified as a disease, by definition, but it's a more a result of lifestyle and food choices made by the individual. 
Diabetes, heart disease, joint pain, high blood pressure are diseases of which obesity is linked to. 
This is a complex subject, and many will believe it to be a disease, but we need to educate people that with this "disease", you don't need a medicine or surgery, you need to start eating clean and training mean!! 
If you are overweight or obese, you are NOT sick!! You may be at risk for disease...but you have the power to change this destiny...

And  you ARE WORTH IT!!

IN health...
Barb